topic Gay and single in Adelaide and difficulty socialising in Sexuality and gender identity

Gay and single in Adelaide and difficulty socialising

MitchL — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 00:27:12 GMT

Hi everyone. I am new here.

I live in Adelaide, I am gay and I am pretty much struggling to find a partner and maintaining a circle of friends. I came across a message from a user who said the following about the dating apps "I was mostly ignored and came away feeling annoyed and frustrated. I did my best to relate to others and tried to find a connection with someone, but I felt as though I was wasting my time because my effort and enthusiasm was not reciprocated." This is exactly what I have been going through myself. In addition, the circle of friends I have are mostly couples who have their own schedule and I see them very rarely and it is usually me who has to take the initiative and organize something. Even then it might take ages for us to decide on a date, time and place.

I was wondering if there is anyone out there from Adelaide who has been experiencing the same issues and if you would have any tips/suggestions for me, as I have reached a stage where this is getting me down.

Thank you in advance. Have a great day.

Gay and single in Adelaide and difficulty socialising

Just Sara — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 10:19:56 GMT

Hi and welcome Mitch;

You must be feeling quite frustrated with your situation atm to come to BB for help. I hope you're not struggling too much.

I'm not from Adelaide so unfortunately I can't comment on the scene there, but thought I'd drop you a line.

I guess loneliness hits us all at some stage of our lives; some deal with it better than others. The dating scene can be somewhat unpleasant for those who're a bit reserved (like me)

Joining a club that suits your interests could be a good place to start. In Sydney there's a huge set-up to help out with the annual Mardi-Gras. Maybe a sporting or book club? I'm guessing of course, but you get my meaning yeah?

What about travel? There are groups who travel together nationally as well as overseas.

I wish I could be more help Mitch, but I'm sort of used to replying to people with MH issues.

We have a thread in the Social Zone section called the 'Transcendental Rainbow Cafe' where LGBTI members sometime visit for a chat. It's been quiet for a while, but if you check in, things might spark up. I'll keep an eye out for you ok.

Btw, I tried a same sex dating site and went out with someone I learned (the hard way) was a sexual predator. (Shaking my head) It takes all sorts so please take care of yourself hun.

Not sure what else I can help you with I'm afraid. Please feel free to write here and talk about any issues you have ok. I'm a great listener.. 🙂 Sorry I couldn't be more helpful.

Kind thoughts;

Sez

Gay and single in Adelaide and difficulty socialising

MitchL — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 11:47:01 GMT

Hi Sez,

Thank you for your response.

I am sorry to hear about your bad experience, I really hope you didn't find out about that the hard way and that you have found a way to get over that.

It is funny you should mention travelling, cause this is something I really want to do but I don't drive, so I have to rely on public transport. I really want to travel around Australia.

I am actually searching for different groups, but I find that either the groups are not active or the members are mostly women (no offense at all to women, but you get what I mean, me being gay and all lol).

I know there's also companies that organize trips for singles in an attempt to matchmake people, but you really have to be wealthy to afford the money they are asking...

So I really don't know. If you can thing of anything or anyone that can help, feel free to let me know.

Thanks again for reading me.

Take care of yourself.

Gay and single in Adelaide and difficulty socialising

MitchL — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 11:48:39 GMT

Sorry, I just reread what happened to you and I saw "the hard way".

I am so sorry again.

Gay and single in Adelaide and difficulty socialising

Just Sara — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 20:29:05 GMT

Hey, no worries Mitch. You're one of the good guys so I'm sure there's a great 'someone' out there waiting in the wings.

Thankyou for your empathy too. Live, learn and grow...

Good luck xo

Gay and single in Adelaide and difficulty socialising

BluHusky — Sat, 07 Apr 2018 14:37:20 GMT

Hey Mitch,

I have also just arrived in Adelaide and is feeling the same way as you. I am gay and also hope to look for friends and a meaningful connection with a special one.

Looking forward to your reply soon

Gay and single in Adelaide and difficulty socialising

MitchL — Sun, 08 Apr 2018 01:25:19 GMT

Hi BluHusky. Thanks for your message. I'm glad I am not the only one feeling like this. Where do you come from? Have you moved here permanently or are you here temporarily? I hope you'll like Adelaide as much as I do. I look forward to hearing more about you. Have a great day.

Gay and single in Adelaide and difficulty socialising

Stkildadan — Tue, 14 May 2019 00:31:32 GMT

Hi mate,

as a gay guy who moved to adelaide 2 years ago, I have also struggled with this town. I have lived in many cities but adelaide is a very clicky town. I find I just end up doing activities alone because everyone is either in a relationship or bot interested

You are not alone.

I love to get myself outdoors and to the beach. The hills are great to get some fresh air and clear your head.

I'm looking at joining some groups or clubs.

Let me know how you are going

Gay and single in Adelaide and difficulty socialising

Only_I_know — Tue, 14 May 2019 09:31:02 GMT

Hey there mitch

sorry to hear that you are feeling a little down and struggling. I'm not in Adelaide - but Victoria. I only came out 12 mths ago at 47 and after a 21 years of a faithful and monogamous marriage. I didn't know what to do to go out and meet other gay guys, not necessarily for a relationship or experience, but just to make friends and socialise with likeminded people. Everything else would take care of itself I guess.

Someone put me onto "Team Melbourne" which is a website that brought together a whole heap of different LGBT sporting groups, and I joined up with the Running/Walking group, and now every Saturday morning I walk around the botanical gardens with the group and have coffee afterwards. It is nice to get out and talk to other guys.

Someone also put me on to the "Meetup" app. This is a social app - NOT a dating app. there are all sorts of groups on there, from (heaps of) lgbt groups as well as non lgbt groups like dog walking groups! I have now made quite a number of friends from attending events that the groups create. For instance back in March, a group posted that they were going to go to Daylesford (country vic) for the day to go to the Chillout festival. So I went along, and from that I have made new friends (2 sets!) that I regularly catch up with. It is really nice. I've been to other group events too, some I've made other friends, some events didn't do much for me so I haven't been back.

So perhaps try looking up Team Adelaide, there are a number of LGBT sport clubs to look at, and also the Meetup app. Worth a try for sure. You may need to not think about meeting the man of your dreams there, just let it come as it does. If you are going out expecting or wanting to meat him, you may give off the wrong vibe.

I don't like the dating apps either, and tried to go on and use, but keep deleting my profile and not responding to the messages. I just cant get myself to do that.

Try and stay positive, positivity is infectious and if you come across happy and positive you'll likely make new friends as I did! Of course, the opposite does the same in reverse!

Good luck, and keep chatting here if you need to.

Cheers

Daz

Gay and single in Adelaide and difficulty socialising

PeteyMackay — Fri, 31 May 2019 00:17:03 GMT

I really struggled in Adelaide too. So the main thing is not to take it personally. There are strong private school and family networks so don't feel that you are lesser for any reason.

Meetup.com groups as Daz above said is great. There is a Lgbti choir group, tons of sporting groups etc.

I find most of my intimate discussions are online now. I have a strong network of facebook, whirlpool.net groups that deal with a lot of the personal and difficult issues that I couldn't find support on in Adelaide.

Gay and single in Adelaide and difficulty socialising

Gregbm — Sun, 24 Nov 2019 02:13:30 GMT

Hi All,
Not sure if this thread is still active. I have lived in Adelaide for 20 years and struggle to find close friends/ mates. I too find it clicky.
I have recently separated after 20 years of marriage and finding my feet as a gay man. I have all but given up on the dating apps.
Any advice/ tips on meeting friends/ mates/ partner would be appreciated.
Cheers

Gay and single in Adelaide and difficulty socialising

MarkPiz — Sun, 24 Nov 2019 08:34:28 GMT

I think anywhere where there are other gay people is the way to go. I am West of Melbourne, I did a bike ride last weekend (gay group) asked a guy out, got a rejection, and it stings a bit. First time I have done this in my entire life and I am 44! I refuse to go anywhere near the dating app's. I approached another guy in the group who I have known for some time and discussed with him my experiences of loneliness. I sensed he felt the same, and his response was, you just got to keep turning up...

Gay and single in Adelaide and difficulty socialising

Only_I_know — Fri, 29 Nov 2019 09:43:02 GMT

Hey there,

Gregbm your situation sounds similar to mine. I came out last year after 20 years of marriage and 2 kids. I've been separated now for just over 12 months and still finding my feet. I'd joined an LGBT running/walk group in Melbourne to meet others (not to hook up) and also joined some lgbt groups on the Meetup App. This isn't a dating app - like you and MarkPiz - the dating apps aren't for me. Not interested in just a hookup. I guess I'm not even really looking for anything other than just friends, and see what happens. Just finding likeminded guys can be hard too. I'd hidden being gay for 40+ years, so I don't really come across as all that gay and sometimes I don't feel that I fit in anywhere.

Unlike MarkPiz, I haven't approached any other guys for a date or even a coffee! I'm too afraid of the rejection!

Anyway, I guess it just takes time - you need to put yourself out there - not come across to keen etc. Join as many LGBT groups that you can.

Gay and single in Adelaide and difficulty socialising

Over1t — Sun, 01 Dec 2019 08:05:17 GMT

I can totally relate to what you are saying, I'm 43, from Adelaide and a lesbian, I would just live to meet some other gay friends. It's a bit depressing. I'm too old for the bar scene.

Gay and single in Adelaide and difficulty socialising

BPD_Shaun — Thu, 02 Jan 2020 10:53:38 GMT

I'm also feeling this way in Adelaide. I lack confidence to begin with but these datings sites just don't seem to do anything (outside of people that want a quick one nighter, which I'm not looking for).

I don't want to say that I hate this city, but I'm feeling so alone lately.

Gay and single in Adelaide and difficulty socialising

Truetomyself — Thu, 02 Jan 2020 11:15:50 GMT

Hey
I I read all of your responses and I have lived in Adelaide my whole life.
I am not gay but it is tough to make new friends.
People are either friends since uni and now have kids etc or mainly interact with high school friends and colleagues.
I think of it as a big country town.
I lived overseas for a year and was great to experience something new.
I know many use the What's App. I didn't have great experiences but don't let me put you off.
There are great places to see and go to it is just finding people.
It is funny people have moved to Adelaide. Usually they are moving away.
It is hard as lots of my close family and friends are interstate or overseas.
But it sounds like you are all being persistent and yep dating sites. They are no picnic for long term! Yes and they are frustrating and annoying even if you are straight too.
Hopefully if you are here for a long stay you will get to know some places and people.
I wish you all the best on your hunt for finding some people that you can hang out with.
All the best!

Gay and single in Adelaide and difficulty socialising

Only_I_know — Fri, 03 Jan 2020 09:03:26 GMT

Hey there, it isn't just Adelaide, it's the same everywhere. I'm in Melbourne - and yes, whilst there are gay night clubs and more people, it's still hard when you are older.

As Truetomyself said, people already have friends or busy with family or work and it can be hard to break into new groups.

I'm not into the dating apps either (I came out about 18months ago).

There are things you can do - if you are into sport then Google Team Adelaide. There you will find sporting groups for the LGBTIQ community. look them up and look at attending something. the groups are usually friendly and welcoming. They are obviously not dating groups, but a place you can just meet people and make friends. Whatever happens from there just happens!

Also, there is an app called MEETUP. It is not a dating app. It is a social app, that connects people with the same interests. there are gay groups, again not dating but you go to these group social events and meet new people and make friends. I did that in Melbourne and have made some really good friends.

Good luck, if you take them for what they are - opportunities to meet new people and break into new groups, and go in looking for friendship first, then you should be okay.

cheers

Daz

Gay and single in Adelaide and difficulty socialising

BPD_Shaun — Sat, 04 Jan 2020 04:49:22 GMT

Thanks for the reply.

Strangely enough, since I made that post I found someone with very similar interests and looking for something more, just in another state. Just talking to him made me feel a whole lot better so I'm thankfully a lot happier than I was since I made that post. Cheers.

Gay and single in Adelaide and difficulty socialising

luxord9944 — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 10:05:19 GMT

Finding this thread has really opened my eyes. I’ve struggled for 2 years I. Adelaide as a gay guy. I’m 27, and I’m on the apps, and I crave someone special in my life.
People often tell me that I’m attractive and caring, but I got so down on myself that I’d started to assume that they were lying. It’s a just so easy to feel ignored, unworthy, and unloved here. It feels pretty much hopeless to ever find romantic fulfilment.
I don’t want to say that I hate it here either, it’s a fine place, but even making any sort of connection feels next to impossible.
But I look here and see that I’m not the only one feeling this way. I just really hope things can look up soon, the loneliness here is agony.

Re: Gay and single in Adelaide and difficulty socialising

JorgeVzla — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 00:49:04 GMT

At the moment I'm feeling everything you described here, Mitch. Unfortunately I discovered this post too late, it was written on 2018 so I hope your situation changed favourably, would love to hear your experience after all these years how you managed to fix it.